PORT TOWNSEND — Although other state ferry routes will switch to fewer sailings when the fall schedule begins today, the Port Townsend-Coupeville route won’t change until mid-October.
“It’s the only route that doesn’t have much of a change until after Oct. 14,” said Susan Harris-Huether, state ferries system spokeswoman.
Two-boat service will stay in place on the route through Monday, Oct. 14.
It will revert to one-boat service for the winter Tuesday, Oct. 15.
Route changes
Some highlights of changes beginning today on other Washington State Ferry routes:
■ Anacortes/San Juan Islands — Four vessels in service.
■ Anacortes/Sidney, B.C. — One daily round trip via Friday Harbor/Lopez Island/Shaw Island/Orcas Island, with fewer sailings on weekends.
■ Mukilteo/Clinton — Fewer late-night and early morning sailings Thursdays through Sundays.
Before the Port Townsend-Coupeville route reverts to having only one ferry ply the Admiralty Inlet, some prices will go up.
Fare increases and policy changes adopted by the Washington State Transportation Commission on July 20 go into effect next Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Overall, passenger fares are going up 2 percent, while vehicle fares are rising by 3 percent.
For instance, the 20-ride commuter card for standard-sized vehicles — those under 22 feet — on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route will rise from $164.20 to $169.
Passenger-only adults, who now pay $3.10 one way, will pay $3.15.
Before Oct. 1, standard-sized vehicles — those under 22 feet — and the driver pay $12.70 one way.
That’s in peak season.
After Oct. 1, the fare goes down, but with the 2 percent increase, it will be $10.50 on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route.
Fare reductions
Some costs are going down.
Passenger-only youths ages 6 to 18 will see an increased discount from the present 20 percent to 50 percent off the full fare.
Youths now pay $2.55 one way. After Oct. 1, they will pay $1.55.
A three-phase plan that was started in 2011 provides reduced fares for smaller vehicles.
In this final phase, the vehicle fare for cars fewer than 14 feet will be charged 70 percent of the vehicle fare charged for standard vehicles.
On the Port Townsend-Coupeville route, that means the non-peak-season one-way fare will rise from $8.20 to $8.30.
The state also will eliminate the motorcycle oversize surcharge. Those who now pay the motorcycle oversize surcharge will pay either the under-14-feet-vehicle fare or, if they are under 8 feet in length, the motorcycle/driver fare.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries or phone 888-808-7977.
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Managing Editor/News Leah Leach can be reached at 360-417-3531 or at leah.leach@peninsuladailynews.com.
